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TF's selling point: proximity to UES attractions, which makes TF an ideal jumping off point/ base camp for daily excursions. And, if you're a walker, the blend of attractions, visual delights, & exercise is perfect. (You may not even need to workout at neighboring NY Sports Club, to which TF provides passes.)

Room Size Matters: A Very Subjective Opinion-----------------------------------------------------TF's acceptable if you're traveling backpack-light, need to stay only a few days, plan to spend all your time outside the hotel, and/or traveling solo. (If you're with your significant other, you'll become closer than you ever imagined. Romance isn't what comes to mind -- more space-shuttle-like cocooning (to protect yourself from inevitable invasion of personal space).

TF's website notes: "This room comfortably accommodates two people."

"Comfortably" may not be the word most would use for 1 person occupancy -- never mind 2 (especially for Petite rooms). "Adequately" may be more fitting. (If 2 people are 1 -- not only spiritually but physically, perhaps "adequately" could be used. Or, if traveling with your pet (who you may consider human) then together you may qualify as 2 "people.")

TF's website's artfully shot room photos, wittingly or unwittingly, belie the rooms actual size. You can misperceive rooms as being more spacious than they actually are. Perhaps interpreting the photograph on your computer screen as a 1-to-1 to scale model is a nearer-truth interpretation.

If you can get an outstanding deal, the euphemistic "coziness" can make the chest-tightening crampedness worthwhile. (Upgrading to a larger room can be life saving & certainly justifiable if traveling on business.)

Marvel at how ingenious each millimeter of space is used to precisely fit toilet, wash basin, & shower into dollhouse-sized spaces: concentrated compactness worthy of any architect's dissection & microscopic examination. (After marveling, you can't help but wish they'd knock down a wall or two & merge 2 rooms into 1. Now that would be a comfortable guest room for 2.)

Love it. Hate it. -----------------You can't help but pendulum swing between the 2 extremes. Yes, it has its retro charm and its claustrophobic, jail-cell appeal.

If you're perceived as big-boned, you may need to grease up before oshiyas shove you through the door. (And, for heaven's sake, don't ingest a morsel of food (or even inhale an aroma molecule of food) that could add a microgram to your frame.) If you've a touch of claustrophobia, view TF as immersion therapy to overcome your fear of confined spaces.

TF is a once-in-a-lifetime place worth experiencing. (If you make it through the night, you get bragging rights.)

I tease too much.

I do like TF.

You develop affection for it. You can't help but enjoy its convenient UES location. It's a unique, charming boutique that you can't take too seriously; you can't help but tickle its teeny belly to make it giggle. (Perhaps if it fully played up it's one-of-a-kind, diminutive accommodations (note on its website the actual square footage of each room type), potential guests would be curious/ lured by its most prominent feature -- its minusculeness -- instead of surprised/ disappointed/ traumatized on 1st setting foot through the door.)

The juxtaposition of upscale, elegant, sophistication miniaturized into a teensy cameo box, can't help but make you smile.

Grumbles-----------The LOCATION makes TF worthwhile -- especially if you can get a larger room (at a bargain rate) -- and trumps inconveniences:

• No designated, sensible spot to place backpack/ suitcase (desk top is unfortunate alternative). (You end up spreading out paperwork on bed (as your actual desk/ work area) & using a pillow as laptop desk.)

• Live-out-of-suitcase access to clothes/ necessities.

• $12 daily service charge.

Suggestions, Thoughts---------------------------When you're initially escorted to your room, walk/ shimmy the room & *bathroom* before accepting it. If it's too small for your comfort, don't be shy about requesting a roomier room. (They'll try to accommodate your comfort/ peace of mind.) Don't just settle because you don't want to make a fuss; otherwise, you may unwittingly succumb to "room rage" (the immobile equivalent of road rage) -- where you silently implode after a few days of unmitigated frustration.

(Desperately wished larger room would drastically change my mind about TF (from "average" to "very good"), but it just didn't/ couldn't. In good conscience, I can't upgrade overall rating -- no matter how much I sucked in my gut, sucked up my moans, wished myself into thinking I was more comfortable than I actually was. Maybe, next time, I'll splurge for *the* largest room & see if I have a change of heart.)

If you're a robust, corn-fed, full-sized/ super-sized, 21st century American, the squish-factor can be difficult/ near impossible to overcome. (If you're a svelte, portion-controlled, city-sized American/ European/ Asian/ African/ Lilliputian you may not feel as confined/ immobile. At times, the only breath of relief you feel is when you step outside -- under TF's neon marquee.

Stayed July 2012

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Ask gnomemoss about The Franklin

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

After the very first night at the hotel Frankling, we had a warm and cozy feeling about it, both my husband and I love a cup of tea in the afternoon and good coffee in the morning, the hotel provides for coffee, capuchino, expresso or tea 24 hours a day - this alone was wonderful for us, you can enjoy your drink at a small but nice sitting room or in their breakfast room. They also have continental breakfast and a wine and cheese hour in the early evening, included in the room price.

We stayed for 9 days visiting our daughter who lives in the area, the first "petite" room we had was OK for a couple of nights but too small for a longer visit, we had clothes for 9 days so we moved to a bigger room that worked very well. The hotel is very well located, you have everything you need within walking distance.

The staff is very nice and helpful, in particular Masud at the front desk, he was wonderful and the operations manager Shonda Colburn, who helped us track a package mailed to the hotel for us, that was misplaced.

At first glance, the lobby is worn as is the lounge area. The photo that's on line must have been taken 10 years ago as the featured sofa and chair are well worn now. I agree....rooms are VERY small. I laughed as I tried to find the "closet" hidden behind the mirror. Only 4 hangers fit! BUT, the room was newly renovated complete with bathtub. The carpet could have stood a good cleaning. Bed was very comfortable with nice linens. Window air conditioner was a little noisy but the white noise was welcome as it drowned out any potential street noise. Breakfast was amazing....Cheese, good baguette slices, yogurt, fresh fruit AND 24 hour espresso,cappuccino and coffee. The bellhop couldn't have been nicer and VERY helpful. Neighborhood felt safe and was quiet. Within 2 blocks of the subway. I would stay here again.

Room Tip: I always stay as high up as possible. 7th floor inside room (facing another brick building) was vir...

Yes, the rooms are small, but the bed is big! The layout and deco are cleverly done, the staff are friendly, the breakfast and cheese buffet we did not try, but the common rooms are very small, might be a bit tight if all guests gather there at once!

Location, a straight walk west accross the avenues, and you are at the park and the museums, amusing to see the park avenue dog walkers and nannies at work!

The subway station is just around the corner.

All in all a grand solution for a short trip, anything over a week and the claustrophobia would set in, but can be recommended.

Stayed September 2012, traveled as a couple

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Ask Gajaca about The Franklin

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

when a room has the word "petite" in the description, take it seriously. I could fit one shirt in the "closet". OK, i knew the room would be on the small side, but the hotel looks like a transient hotel rather than a 4 star. I agree with the other reviewer that this should be rated 2 1/2 stars. what a letdown. One guy at the desk was very nice, the other one very gruff and implied it was my fault when i couldn't connect via wireless. (they had to reboot the router).

We stayed for three nights at the Franklin and were very happy with our stay. The pros first. The staff are friendly, and checking in and out were a cinch. Continental breakfast is included daily and is a mix of pastries, cereals, fruit with a coffee machine, tea and juice. Wifi is free. The rooms are well appointed with a very comfortable bed and Bulgari amenities were a nice perk. The price for our stay was the most reasonable when compared to other hotels in Upper east side. The hotel is conveniently located near the subway and there are several good restaurants nearby. Now for the disadvantages. The room was very small with a tiny closet and tiny safe. We didn't mind the room being small, but the safe is not big enough to put a laptop in, so we were dragging two laptops around town which got very heavy by the end of the day. The small closet might also be a problem for people staying longer in the city. The hallways are unusually hot, and the heat gets into the bedroom even at night. There is airconditioning, but it's a window unit that gets really loud, so it was hard to sleep thru the noise. Overall, I would still stay at Franklin on our next trip to NYC.

Stayed September 2012, traveled on business

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Ask sctrekker about The Franklin

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When we arrived, we felt we not really welcomed: "picture ID and credit card", that was not really nice. We said 'hello' first. No one proposed to help us bring our luggage from the street into the hotel, then into the lift.The very tiny breakfast room lacked often fresh coffee: guests had to inform staff that there was no coffee, jam etc. Staff apparently is too busy, but we as guests expect some more care. You had to pay for that poor breakfast if you like or not. The management should be criticised: 50 rooms but only 5 small tables for breakfast !The climatisation was extremely noisy also in our room. It looks like it is not taken care of.

Stayed August 2012, traveled as a couple

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Ask pnicar about The Franklin

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Only a short distance from Central Park, the famed Museum Mile and Madison Avenue designer shops, The Franklin Hotel is the perfect Upper East Side getaway. Built in the 1930s, The Franklin Hotel is located at 164 East 87th Street. This romantic boutique hotel features 50 intimate guestrooms, daily complimentary continental breakfast from 7am-10am and daily wine & cheese reception from 5pm-6:30pm. Ideal for single travelers or couples, all guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary NY Times & USA Today (in our lounge area), Philosophy bath amenities, and 24-hour cappuccino machine....more less

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Also Known As:

The Franklin Hotel New York City

Franklin New York City

Franklin Hotel New York City

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